Poland's Corrugated Paper Box Exports Drop to $688M in 2023
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In 2023, overseas shipments of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard decreased by -2.4% to 383K tons, falling for the second year in a row after five years of growth. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a prominent expansion from 2013 to 2023: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, exports decreased by -8.4% against 2021 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of 418K tons. From 2022 to 2023, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, corrugated paper box exports reduced to $688M (IndexBox estimates) in 2023. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 40% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $694M in 2022, and then reduced modestly in the following year.
Exports by Country
Germany (108K tons), Sweden (54K tons) and the Netherlands (39K tons) were the main destinations of corrugated paper box exports from Poland, with a combined 53% share of total exports. Denmark, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%. From 2013 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for Belgium (with a CAGR of +20.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth. In value terms, Germany ($189M) remains the key foreign market for cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard exports from Poland, comprising 28% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Sweden ($92M), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with an 11% share. From 2013 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Germany stood at +11.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Sweden (+8.3% per year) and the Netherlands (+11.7% per year).
Export Prices by Country
In 2023, the corrugated paper boxes price stood at $1,798 per ton (FOB, Poland), rising by 1.6% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a noticeable increase from 2013 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, corrugated paper box export price increased by +40.2% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 19% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2023 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term. Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the countries with the highest prices were the Netherlands ($1,976 per ton) and Germany ($1,749 per ton), while the average price for exports to Slovakia ($1,432 per ton) and Lithuania ($1,482 per ton) were amongst the lowest. From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+4.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
